Dietary fatty acids and diabetes mellitus : effect on postprandial lipoproteins and apolipoproteins

Abstract

This thesis explores the relative merits of dietary polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat in reducing the postprandial dyslipidaemia which is associated with diabetes. Of particular interest are the apolipoproteins which control lipoprotein metabolism - apo B, apo E, apo C and apo A. The effect of diabetes on the production of intestinally-derived chylomicrons is also investigated. An increased risk of atherosclerosis exists in diabetes even in the absence of the classical lipid abnormalities of raised plasma triglycerides and reduced HDL cholesterol and increasing evidence shows that an elevation of postprandial particles may have an important role to play in this elevated risk. Diet is a cornerstone in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and this study attempts to establish whether the usually prescribed polyunsaturated diet is in fact prudent.